McCloskey Steel & Ferroalloys Conference

Join us for the inaugural Steel & Ferroalloys Conference in Cape Town!

Cape Town, South Africa | January 27-29, 2025

McCloskey is launching its inaugural Steel & Ferroalloys Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, spotlighting the continent’s vital role in supplying essential raw materials to the world’s steelmakers. From manganese and chromium to vanadium and anthracite, Africa’s importance in the steel supply chain cannot be underestimated.

We bring together industry leaders, market experts, analysts, stakeholders and government to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s critical raw materials. Furthermore, we offer unparalleled networking with industry peers, clients and prospects.

Agenda: 

Monday, January 27, 2025

Registration Opens / Welcome Reception

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Keynote Address 

A special guest will speak on Africa’s leading role in the future of the global ferroalloys markets.

Session 1 | Steel & Ferroalloys Outlook: Turning a Corner

Global steel demand looks to be turning a corner after two years of weaker steel output, with India playing a greater role in the industry’s future growth. In this session, panelists provide their outlooks for steel and ferroalloys in 2025 and give their thoughts about the market conditions behind their forecasts.

Session 2 | Thriving Through the Uncertainty: The Producers’ Perspective

Mining is becoming more complex as producers navigate through a maze of uncertainties, ranging from the energy transition and rising ESG concerns, to limited funding and an ever changing political and regulatory landscape. In this session, hear from industry leaders on how miners are winning in an unpredictable environment.

Session 3 | Common Challenges in Steel Supply Chains across different Commodities 

Steel has one of the more complicated supply chains, with its raw materials and intermediary feedstocks all representing complicated and often independent markets. From anthracite and coke to ores and alloys, all of these markets play an essential role in the pricing and availability of the world’s steel supplies. In this session, we take a closer look at these markets and how they will impact the steel industry.

Evening Reception

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Session 4 | Domestic & International Transport & Freight Panel

South Africa’s rail corridors are showing signs of improvement, a welcome relief to exporters who over the years have had to cut production or turn to road haulage to get their supplies to overseas customers. At the same time, several major rail projects are in development that could further Africa’s importance in the world’s steel supply chain. Top transport officials and experts discuss what the industry can expect on the roads, rails, and at ports.

Session 5 | Decarbonizing Steel and Ferroalloys: A Smooth or Disruptive Transition

The world’s energy transition is opening up new markets for manganese, chromium, vanadium and ferroalloys. But with these new opportunities, come plenty of challenges and uncertainty. In this session, executives on the front line provide their insight on what’s next for the industry.

Session 6 | South Africa’s Opportunities in Steel and Ferroalloys

The dynamic steel and ferroalloys markets offer significant opportunities for South Africa. What strategies can South Africa employ to capitalize on these opportunities?